“And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,” Acts 1:24.

When making decisions we most often than not consider all the facts and weight what the most advantageous choice would be to meet our need. However, we can only see from a human perspective having minimal sight and knowledge. Our greatest advantage is achieved when we seek divine guidance. “Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.” Psalm 142:10.,

The account of the disciple’s appointment of an additional apostle, gives us a clear view of how we should seek God’s guidance in decision making. They carefully sought out two men from the faithful saints that followed Jesus, to make their selection. Acts 1: 21-22 state “Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.”

The criteria were set, and the two candidates selected…but the final decision was not made without seeking divine guidance from the Lord. “And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,” Acts 1:24. God answered, and Matthias was chosen that day to become one of the twelve and replace Judas Iscariot.

What lessons can we learn from this account? When it came to the final decision the apostles (1) prayed and sought Lord for His guidance. (2) they knew that God is omniscient and knows the heart of every man (3) God knew best who needed to fill the office of His apostle. Therefore, they did not make the choice on their own reconnaissance, but totally leaned on the divine providence of God to saw them the best candidate.

Let us follow the examples of the apostles in making our own decisions by:

1. Begin with prayer: prayer is our direct communication with God, everything that we do should be guided by prayer. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6.
2. Trust the Lord to show you the best direction: God is omniscient and all wise, He knows the hearts and minds of all involved…He alone is able to direct us in the choices that align with His divine will for our lives. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.
3. Finally, follow where He leads: “But He said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:28.

We can rest assured that when we seek God’s guidance, He will provide far more that we can imagine. Remember that He loves us unconditionally, and all of His beloved children have the choice to follow in His wisdom and protective care. . . we must simply listen and obey. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,” Ephesians 3:20.

God blessings of peace and grace be with us all.